Danger is Near

Chapter 23

I was elated. I felt so proud, mostly because I beat Eric. I beat Eric! I couldn't believe it and neither could anyone else. So many people approached me saying stuff like 'wow, i can't believe you beat up Eric' and 'gee you're a tough one, no one ever has the guts to take on Eric'.

On the train ride back our team celebrated and everyone seemed to be congratulating Amy, Meg and myself. Everyone wanted to know how everything played out so the girls and I shed some light. While we were talking about beating Eric I noticed him look towards us. He gave me the biggest glare he had ever given me. But that didn't intimidate me, I wasn't scared of him anymore. I figured that if I could beat him in a 'game', I didn't have to worry about him in general. So, instead of wanting to go crawl away into a shell, I sent a massive grin his way, showing him I wasn't intimidated. He didn't take it well, he began to storm towards me but his friends held him back. He then listened to them, knowing it wouldn't be good for his image if he beat up some innocent initiate. Although I'm sure he had done it before. He was ruthless. But strangely, in a way, that attracted me even more. 

We arrived back at the compound around three in the morning. But today we didn't have training. We did have one order though. To promptly be in the Hall for lunch. That was when they would reveal the rankings. Revealing who was leaving Dauntless and who was lucky enough to stay. I felt more confidently about my rankings after the game of 'Capture the Flag'. Because I took on Eric and beat him, and for someone to be able to do that obviously meant they had extreme potential. 

I knew there was a chance of Eric lowering my ranking due to being angry but I also knew no one would let him do that. 

Many of us were tired so we headed back to the dorm, rushing to our beds. Some people had showers as well. Me? I just went straight to my bed, I was quite tired. I ended up sleeping right up until lunch. But most people did, so it wasn't a big deal. We were all exhausted. Not just from last night but from the past week and a bit of training. 

I woke up and saw most people still sleeping and I didn't want to wake anyone so I thought I would take a stroll around the compound before I went to lunch. I put on my ripped, denim black shorts, my combat boots and a fitted long sleeve shirt. The shirt was a bit revealing but I didn't care. I then put my hair up in a ponytail, chucked my Dauntless jacket on and walked out of the door. 

I wasn't really sure where I was going but it was nice. Knowing I didn't have to be anywhere for a while and knowing I didn't have to train for a couple of days. I ended up coming across the Chasm. The Chasm was a ravine filled with rapidly running water and sharp rocks. It was deep and dark. Ever since I heard stories of people taking their lives by jumping into the Chasm I was quite petrified of it. I mean, who would want to do that!? 

As I looked around I spotted Eric. He was speaking to someone on the railing that joined both ledges of the Chasm together. As soon as he spotted me I awkwardly turned and walked away. I didn't want to get into some stupid argument with him. But it was too late. He had seen me and he wanted to talk to me. 

"Eliza. Wait!" he shouted while taking a few steps towards me. "Will have to catch up with you later Trace" he then said to the woman he was talking to. She looked a little ticked off. Maybe because Eric wanted to talk to me, an initiate, over her? I wasn't too sure. 

I turned around to face him. "Yep" I said innocently. Maybe he wasn't so angry, maybe he was going to congratulate me or something. But that was all forgotten when I looked up to his face. 

"Don't think, just because you shot me a few times and stole a stupid flag from me that you are allowed to be smug with me" he said dangerously. 

I had to admit, I was completely surprised. I hadn't even done anything except for smile at him on the train. 

I looked at him with a confused expression. 

"Oh c'mon. I know you think you're better than me Eliza and -" he tempted wickedly before I cut him off.  

"Ok, sorry. I just gotta stop you there. Firstly; when did I ever say I thought I was better than you and, secondly; why can't a girl be thrilled about beating a tough Dauntless leader?" I said with sass. "Huh?" I questioned. 

He didn't say anything. He looked completely stunned. But then he went from stunned to vicious. 

"Did you just interrupt me and then give me the fucking lecture?" he rudely questioned. "I'm the one that's allowed to do that around here! Not you!". 

"I don't understand you... I really don't" I said, letting my guard down. "I mean, who died and made you such a prick?" I said accusingly. 

Instantly, I knew I had gone somewhere I shouldn't have. I could tell by the hurt look broadening across Eric's face. He walked away in shame. He stopped in the middle of the 'bridge' that sat over the Chasm. I followed him. I knew he was mad and I knew he probably felt like throwing me over the barrier but I couldn't just leave him there feeling hurt. That just wasn't me. 

"Eric... I am so sorry" I said gently. Hoping it would ease him. 

But instead of accepting my apology, he turned to me and said, "This never happened". 

"But... What-" I started,

"Leave before I lower your ranking initiate!" he almost yelled. 

I was pissed off. I was trying to help him, I was trying to be nice but nope. He was still the same damn prick he always was. 

"You know what? Fine" I said cynically as I stormed off towards the Hall. 

I knew now, I really did hate him. 

But how could you hate someone and still be so longingly drawn to them?